Coconino News

State Representative David Marshall announced that a bill he sponsored, aimed at supporting Arizona's Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers, has successfully passed through the House Committee on Public Safety & Law Enforcement. The legislation, known as HB2386, proposes a pay parity system to ensure DPS Troopers' compensation is competitive with law enforcement agencies in Arizona's largest counties and municipalities.

Chairman Marshall emphasized the importance of fair compensation for troopers, stating, "Our Troopers put their lives on the line every day to keep our highways safe, combat drug trafficking, and take violent criminals off the streets." He added that HB2386 ensures troopers are paid fairly and competitively, which is crucial for retaining highly trained law enforcement officers.

The bill mandates that DPS annually establish pay benchmarks based on salaries and benefits from the state's three largest counties. It utilizes existing funds from the Parity Compensation Fund to maintain competitive salaries without additional financial burden on the state's general fund.

Marshall noted that public safety is a top priority for House Republicans and highlighted that HB2386 aligns with their Majority Plan to support law enforcement. "This bill is about standing with our Troopers and making sure they have the support they need to do their jobs effectively," he said.

With its passage in committee, HB2386 advances in the legislative process, moving Arizona closer to ensuring fair compensation for DPS Troopers and strengthening public safety efforts.

David Marshall represents Legislative District 7 in Arizona and serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Public Safety & Law Enforcement. Follow him on X at @DaveMarshallAZ.